Develop Bugs

Sprint Epic 4G Touch to Verizon Galaxy Nexus

I switched to Verizon about 2 weeks now and purchased the Galaxy Nexus. Figured I would write a little comparison about the 2 devices as well as the service. This might help some people to decide who might be on the fence about switching carriers or thinking about the GN when it comes to Sprint.
Lets compare devices first. I truly loved the E4GT as I am sure many of you are aware so it is not like I jumped ship because I didn't like the device. My main reason was I was sick of seeing .04kbs on download speeds over 3G. Also Sprint removing all the reasons why I stuck around with them as their network became more degraded day by day. With all these changes it made the playing field more equal with other providers.
I am going to try and keep it short and to the point. For screen quality, nothing beats a Super Amoled Plus screen. I was running my E4GT to appear like a 720p screen and there was no way to tell this wasn't the native resolution of this device. It still looked beautiful. The reason why I bring this up is because it is almost unfair to compare the E4GT screen at a WVGA resolution as it just looks ridiculous. The GN screen is still beautiful and looks fantastic, but when held up against the E4GT you can see it just falls a little short. Against all other screens it is still a beast. The whites on the E4GT are bright and true white while the GN is not. Again, the screen still looks beautiful.
For resolution, I know a lot of people who tried 720p on their E4GT thought that it made everything to small for them. On the GN, while it is 720p, The text and icons are larger then what they are on the E4GT running at 720p so you should not worry about things being to small.
Camera has been a big complaint for people. The E4GT has one of the best camera's in a phone I ever used. For the GN, I can see why people have been complaining. In low light situations you can get a lot of noise in the picture. The flash will help with this but it often gives a strong appearance of red eye to anyone looking directly at the camera. When you learn to use the camera and realize you need a steady hand, pictures do come out great. I have taken pictures in good lighting conditions that look as good as the E4GT. The more I use the camera the more I am liking it and capturing better pictures. At first I really was disappointed with it but not so much anymore.
No I know people love benchmarks and stuff but 1 thing I must say even though the E4GT wins hands down on all speed tests, the GN has absolutely no lag and runs just as smooth as the E4GT. If you did not know what was inside these phones you would not be able to tell who has the better equipment inside. So for those who are thinking they will not downgrade to this device based on specs, it really is not an excuse. You need to get over quadrant and base it on how a device performs. Look at the iPhone. They never tell you what is running in that thing and at what speed. It is know they underclock their processors but it still runs smooth as butter so who cares. What would the difference be if they over clocked it? It would run just as smooth.
Now obviously the best part of the experience is ICS. This is my first Nexus device and I think I am sold! I love the idea of having a true Android experience with nothing in it's way. There is nothing in the developers way. We already have an official CM9 nightly. There are a ton of themes and mods available as well as some great Roms. We can even remove the bottom onscreen nav keys and use the entire screen so we do not waste any real estate using them. You can use on-screen gestures (LMT) or button savior instead. You now have a true 4.65" screen with nothing in it's way and the list goes on and on.
Bottom line, if I had to choose again, I would go Nexus all the way. I know the SGS3 is going to be a beast as well but the thing that saves the GN is the true Android experience that you will not get with the SGS3.
Now for Verizon. Not much to discuss here. Destroys Sprint in every way. I don't even turn 4G on as 1.5 - 1.8mbs on 3G is all I need to do my daily things on the phone anyway. If I do turn 4G on, um it seems to be everwhere, lol.
With the double data plan, it made it worth the move. You get 4 gigs for the price of 2 which cost $30. Most people will not go over 4 gigs. I believe this deal runs through the end of the month. I truly believe Sprint will go this route so I figured I would jump on Verizon now and take advantage of the deal before Sprint decides to go tiered and I get stuck paying for it on a crappier network.
I do get a 22% discount with Verizon and I can use that discount towards the $50 data plan or higher. So with double data I pay $39 for 10gigs. To me that would be equivalent to unlimited anyway. Will definitely not need to watch the gigs.
If anyone has any particular questions just let me know. I will be happy to answer it. I will miss my Sprint peeps. I have been with Sprint for around 15 years and have seen a lot of the same faces throughout my time on XDA, PPC Geeks, and back in the day Sprint Users.....
Edit...Some additions to add:
If you are going to switch to Verizon and the GN, Amazon has the device for $99 with a new contract. You can port your number right online with them. Amazon's customer service is top notch and if their is any problems with your phone, they will overnight you a new one so you will not have any down time without your device.
If you are eligible for a discount on Verizon, once your number is officially activated with them, you just sign up on the Verizon Wireless webpage to have your discount applied. If you are unsure if you are eligible for a discount, go to the Verizon Wireless web page and enter in your work address to see. You will get an immediate email letting you know what you are eligible for.
Also, I highly recommend the extended battery that can be ordered online from Verizon at half off, so it is $25. It adds barely any bulk and jumps you from the stock 1850 mAh to 2100 mAh. Even the TPU case for the standard battery fits the device with the extended one so it goes to show you there isn't much size difference. With the extended you should be good to go with 3.5 hours of on screen time depending on your use. Haven't used the stock battery so not sure how well that performs.

Thanks for this. Very informative.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Nice. I'm thinking about making the same move so this helped.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

ive been considering this move too... thx for the info

Come over and experience the awesomeness
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I think Verizon service is definitely what would make me move over. I'm still not sold on the nexus. I've played with a friends and I'm not sure I like the form factor. Then again, I am used to my epic now so that may be what is skewing my opinion. Plus, I can't get over the 299 price tag.
Here is how I look at it.
- Deposit for bad credit: $500
- Monthly service: $89.99
- Extra line: $5.00
- Tiered Data: $60.00 for only 4gb each line.
- New phones: $600
Grand total: $1254.99
It's just a huge chunk to make the switch.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

I made the switch about 2 weeks ago as well. The op helped me out answering some key questions for me. Phone wise I didn't notice much difference. The community over there is cool. Not much complaining. And CM nightly support just hit. The network is much better so all in all ive been happy so far.
ICS Miui powered Galaxy Nexus

Sprint data service is usable (that's not the same as good, mind you!) Most of the time for me, so paying more for service from Verizon isn't justified at the moment, but I would certainly appreciate reliable 3g! My 25% discount certainly helps... I'd only get an 18% discount at Verizon.
My main hangup, besides price, with Verizon is that they don't have roaming service at all up north at my cabin. Kind've a deal breaker for me.
Great write up though! It's nice to see objective reviews.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

kbizzle said:
I think Verizon service is definitely what would make me move over. I'm still not sold on the nexus. I've played with a friends and I'm not sure I like the form factor. Then again, I am used to my epic now so that may be what is skewing my opinion. Plus, I can't get over the 299 price tag.
Here is how I look at it.
- Deposit for bad credit: $500
- Monthly service: $89.99
- Extra line: $5.00
- Tiered Data: $60.00 for only 4gb each line.
- New phones: $600
Grand total: $1254.99
It's just a huge chunk to make the switch.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you miss the part that Amazon sells the phone for $99?

Thats exactly what I bought mine for. And got free activation.
ICS Miui powered Galaxy Nexus

kbizzle said:
I think Verizon service is definitely what would make me move over. I'm still not sold on the nexus. I've played with a friends and I'm not sure I like the form factor. Then again, I am used to my epic now so that may be what is skewing my opinion. Plus, I can't get over the 299 price tag.
Here is how I look at it.
- Deposit for bad credit: $500
- Monthly service: $89.99
- Extra line: $5.00
- Tiered Data: $60.00 for only 4gb each line.
- New phones: $600
Grand total: $1254.99
It's just a huge chunk to make the switch.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus tax, activation fees, etc.

[email protected] said:
Did you miss the part that Amazon sells the phone for $99?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?? No way. Is it mail in rebates??
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Thanks for the writeup Op. I was thinking about going to Verizon because they just got up brand new 4g LTE in my area and its really fast. My question is though my 3g and voice will be in roam. I know that sounds funny but that is how it is here. I have 4g just on roam. How does this work for Verizon. Will I be hit with charges because of roaming? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

kbizzle said:
What?? No way. Is it mail in rebates??
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No mail in rebate, $99 straight up. Oh yeah, no tax either.
musclehead84 said:
Thanks for the writeup Op. I was thinking about going to Verizon because they just got up brand new 4g LTE in my area and its really fast. My question is though my 3g and voice will be in roam. I know that sounds funny but that is how it is here. I have 4g just on roam. How does this work for Verizon. Will I be hit with charges because of roaming? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think you would need to speak with Verizon about this.

musclehead84 said:
Thanks for the writeup Op. I was thinking about going to Verizon because they just got up brand new 4g LTE in my area and its really fast. My question is though my 3g and voice will be in roam. I know that sounds funny but that is how it is here. I have 4g just on roam. How does this work for Verizon. Will I be hit with charges because of roaming? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah we live in the same area... and I too had thoughts considering I'd get 4G LTE right away. I would want to be able to mostly use 3G for day to day, and only kick on 4G for web browsing though... so I'm not sure it makes sense for us considering we'd be on 3G roaming.

Am I silly to buy a SII now?

Hey guys,
I currently use a Nexus One, however I'm looking to upgrade. The n1 is getting to the point where I'm running out of internal space and I'm disappointed there are no more software updates on it.
I'm really yearning for a HTC One S, but there is a caveat. I am on an older T-Mobile EM+ plan so I do not get a subsidy on my phones and I'm uncertain I want to migrate to a new classic plan. Because of this, I feel like the One S will end up being too expensive. I'm assuming T-Mobile will price it at a minimum of 599 like the current Amaze and SII. Further after the 6% sales tax, I might regret spending 635 dollars on the phone.
The thought of a Galaxy Nexus has crossed my mind, but I figured if I was spending $450 on a phone I should be buying one that is HSPA+ 42, which the galaxy nexus is not. However, vanilla ICS is a big plus in my book.
So then comes the T-989. I found one on Craigslist for 400. It includes a one month old phone, extra battery, 16gb class 2 microsd, charging stand and a body glove case. It seems like the value is there. Furthermore, after contacting the person, they end up going to my university so I have a good feeling about the transaction trust wise. I'm going to check out the phone today.
I'm wondering, is this the phone for me? Am I silly and should wait for the S3, or go for the GN or One S instead? Will I be happy with the SII, especially because it will end up being cheaper than all my other options.
Thanks for the insight,
Mike

well there's one thing you can try to do... Tmobile recently altered their terms and condition where data roaming is no longer free. so if you ever used data roaming, you could fight it and get an early termination without ETF and sign up with them again using a different account holder of course. You can legally try to fight it without ever use data roaming because it is a breach in contract... but it is a lot harder to do... you can check out SD, they have a whole giant thread on it.
okay about the phones
1. i would not wait for any HTC phones because their recent releases have been disappointing.. I have used or played with every HTC phone for t-mobile... and they have fallen since the mt4gs.
sooo i wouldn't hold my breath for any htc phones yet.. maybe after some great reviews from xda members..
2. when the s3 is released, it is going to be very expensive... you're talking about not wanting to spend 635 or not even 450 so I would rule the s3 out of your budget.
3. you can't really go wrong with the galaxy nexus or the tmobile t989.. besides we just got ICS.. well still in the works lol
4. ASK yourself.. is there really a need to upgrade from the n1?
yes our phone is everything better than the n1.. but in terms of usability... do you really need to fish out $400+ for a phone you're already questioning about dropping money on. You can do anything on the n1 that you can on the gs2, don't fall for the hype that our phone has because of all the commercials and stuff.
alternatives:
1. why don't you exchange your phone or any cheap "smartphone" (bb, old iphone, etc) with the microsoft store promo, it's free... you should check that out. although they're WP phones... it would be nice to be rocking the htc radar, titan, or samsung focus by trading a crappy phone.
2. Are you out of contract? since you're on the EM+ plan... you can get a lot of deals by extending your contract another 2 years. If so, I can give you few pointers.
---------- Post added at 04:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 AM ----------
holy ****, just noticed this is your first post after 1.5 years lol

Thanks for the reply Teo032!
1,2 & 3 - Thank you for the advice. It is very assuring to hear such things.
4 - This is the hardest question to answer. I don't need to upgrade. However, I have the phone bug itch. I want a new phone. You do raise a good point though, the actual functionality won't differ too much.
A1 - I did not know about that challenge! I would definitely do that if I could. A new WP for free is exactly what I need to fix my itch for a new phone. I live in eastern PA. The closest MS Store would be Bridgewater Commons, which is about an hour away. Unfortunately, that store is still stated as "coming soon" and the promotion ends March 29, 2012. Hopefully they extend it once that location opens, since that would have been worth the drive...
A2 - For a contract extension, I'm a little hesitant since I am moving in about 1 yr and don't want to be locked into a 2 yr contract. Although I would probably have no coverage issues, I would not be too happy if I had poor reception at my new place but it wasn't bad enough for t-mobile to allow me to leave w/o an ETF.
Again thanks for the insight. You brought up some really great points. At this point I really don't know if I can answer that I need to upgrade and I think that might be my answer to whether I should buy the SII or not. I'm really disappointed the Bridgewater MS store isn't open yet, since I would have had made that drive today...
P.S. - Yes! My OP was my first post. After years of lurking, I finally made the leap. If I purchase a new phone today or not, I hope to continue contributing to the community through posting.

Why don't you check the coverage at where you're moving? If anything, use wifi calling.
If you're eligible for an upgrade, you won't get "discounted" phones since you're on em+... but if you talk to the retention department, simply ask them, what is the best deal they can give you if you plan to sign up for another 2 years. Each rep will give you different offers, you can call multiple times to try to get better offers. some will match a previous offer or even best it.
Common offers
$250 credit (this is actually the "discount" for the phones, although you would still be paying the full price for the phone but $350 isn't too bad for a new phone)
or $10 off each month for your contract ($240)
Your rate might even be better depending on what you need. My 5 line is actually paying about $20 less with a better plan now, which is NOT available to new contracts, only loyalty plans.
I called about 4 different reps. I made sure I told them to let me think about the deal and to call me back at certain times.
One guy was able to give me $200 credit + $10 off each month.. they're not suppose to do this, it's usually only one choice... but this guy sounded like a supervisor and hooked me up with a lot of stuff. I asked him to call me back, hoping to get $250 + $10/month from another rep.
next rep told me that it is impossible to apply both deals etc etc, And i was like are you sure? he told me yeah because the system only allows us to apply one discount and what the other guy told me was misinformation. He told me I only could get one or the other... The other guy called me back and I told him, I talked to another rep about the situation, and he simply told me, well lets just say I can do more things than any other rep can.
So my rate for 5 lines, unlimited talk text and 5 gb for 3 lines, 2 with premium insurance (7.99 each) is $155 without the tax and fees + 200 credit.
well unlimited for the 2 primary lines, and 500 minutes EACH for the remaining 3, which is still a lot.
EDIT: oh and after a year.. the ETF should be about what? $100? $150?
another tip: in my area, the skyrocket goes for less than the hercules. about $50 less, so I would look into that if you're planning to just CL

throw MIUI on the N1 and hang on to it for a bit longer. will feel like a newer phone.
otherwise yea what he said. S2 is still a great phone and will be for quite some time. best phone i've ever owned and I also love my N1

U not silly, I just bought my sII for 29.99 plus tax on Feb. 17...

Am I the unluckiest hardware owner ever? (VZW hate incoming)

Anyone ever have just... an Incredibly (no pun intended) bad time with hardware?
Here I am on my 4th device in 13 months.
It started when I allowed a best buy mobile rep talk me into the moto x2.
Phone #1 had a bum USB dock that wouldn't transfer data.
X2 numero dos had a proclivity to stutter all the time...root fixed that but then the headphone jack comes loose and all is broken.
X2 #3 same as #2 for headphone jack issues.
I fought long and hard and vzw offered me a slew of 4g devices which I chose a droid charge from.
But oops, cannot change a 3g device for a 4g device on warranty so now I get to choose from a myriad of garbage moto phones (wow a droid 3 or original x!) Or an incredible 2.
Now here I am with an incredible 2.
This came after I was offered and early upgrade over Christmas which I said no to, because I was five months invested in my current phone, why should I spend another $200 five months in??
Instead I called retentions and complained loudly and I got a pre owned incredible 2.
This phone has been an absolute dream. Even stock it is faster than than the x2s dual core CPU.
But getting this device in January I was warned that I am still in the moto x2 warranty period ending July 5th.
July 6th my phone started overheating and my screen will not light up with any images,just a dull black which I can still unlock answer etc.
Yeah. Freaking July 6th.
Now it happens just having it in my pocket.when it cools down all is good again...
As a last resort today being out of warranty anyhow I took the phone apart entirely, I took the motherboard assembly off and used compressed air to blow as much as I could behind the heat sync but this is just a broken phone I suppose because after reassembly it still isn't working.
So..long story longer, I went to a corporate store and they tell me I have two options, pay $500+ for a new device or get a second line and change to share everything for $50 more per month...
Or call 611.. which I do.
They tell me that I can pay $500+ or add a line (it'd be an extra $600/year I remind him) and he says sorry.
He can offer me an early upgrade that I'm asking for in March.
I said to him gee thanks, you are not really helping me, the website tells me exactly the same thing. Derrrrr. Dumb.
Basically, i was offered an early upgrade in December by a lackwitted tier 2 tech support agent and now because I didn't have $200 for a phone I knew would be severely updated I am being shaken down for a new handset.
I'm pretty upset to be honest, as I spend over $130/month with these guys and they just won't work with me.
So the conversation ends with me saying that since att has their own 4g where I live and that makes them an option for me, let's do math:
See, previously Verizon was the only service here that worked well. now I hear that att 4g covers here quite well...
$230 to cancel Verizon early
$200 for a brand new phone on att
------
$430
Vs the $569.00 for a galaxy nexus I wanted to get for $99 early upgrade.
Actually less after I get $50-$100 for spare parts on eBay for this incredible 2...
Assinine and no way to do business at all.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

So I bought this on August 7th and have had no issues with it. I plan to use it until its dead (2 or 3 more years). I love my dinc 2.
I don't see a good reason to upgrade, even if I could. The newer phones are just faster, and have better displays, NTM the short battery life and that they break in 6 months.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

stevenjcampbell said:
Anyone ever have just... an Incredibly (no pun intended) bad time with hardware?
Here I am on my 4th device in 13 months.
It started when I allowed a best buy mobile rep talk me into the moto x2.
Phone #1 had a bum USB dock that wouldn't transfer data.
X2 numero dos had a proclivity to stutter all the time...root fixed that but then the headphone jack comes loose and all is broken.
X2 #3 same as #2 for headphone jack issues.
I fought long and hard and vzw offered me a slew of 4g devices which I chose a droid charge from.
But oops, cannot change a 3g device for a 4g device on warranty so now I get to choose from a myriad of garbage moto phones (wow a droid 3 or original x!) Or an incredible 2.
Now here I am with an incredible 2.
This came after I was offered and early upgrade over Christmas which I said no to, because I was five months invested in my current phone, why should I spend another $200 five months in??
Instead I called retentions and complained loudly and I got a pre owned incredible 2.
This phone has been an absolute dream. Even stock it is faster than than the x2s dual core CPU.
But getting this device in January I was warned that I am still in the moto x2 warranty period ending July 5th.
July 6th my phone started overheating and my screen will not light up with any images,just a dull black which I can still unlock answer etc.
Yeah. Freaking July 6th.
Now it happens just having it in my pocket.when it cools down all is good again...
As a last resort today being out of warranty anyhow I took the phone apart entirely, I took the motherboard assembly off and used compressed air to blow as much as I could behind the heat sync but this is just a broken phone I suppose because after reassembly it still isn't working.
So..long story longer, I went to a corporate store and they tell me I have two options, pay $500+ for a new device or get a second line and change to share everything for $50 more per month...
Or call 611.. which I do.
They tell me that I can pay $500+ or add a line (it'd be an extra $600/year I remind him) and he says sorry.
He can offer me an early upgrade that I'm asking for in March.
I said to him gee thanks, you are not really helping me, the website tells me exactly the same thing. Derrrrr. Dumb.
Basically, i was offered an early upgrade in December by a lackwitted tier 2 tech support agent and now because I didn't have $200 for a phone I knew would be severely updated I am being shaken down for a new handset.
I'm pretty upset to be honest, as I spend over $130/month with these guys and they just won't work with me.
So the conversation ends with me saying that since att has their own 4g where I live and that makes them an option for me, let's do math:
See, previously Verizon was the only service here that worked well. now I hear that att 4g covers here quite well...
$230 to cancel Verizon early
$200 for a brand new phone on att
------
$430
Vs the $569.00 for a galaxy nexus I wanted to get for $99 early upgrade.
Actually less after I get $50-$100 for spare parts on eBay for this incredible 2...
Assinine and no way to do business at all.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Verizon my friend, I had to literally swear at a Verizon rep to replace my 3rd Droid X2 with the Inc2 and this was after they said they didn't have any available and I called them out because they had started a promo on their website THAT SAME DAY for inc2's. I swear they train their employees to not help customers at all.

Thanks so much for the replies guys.
honestly I love the phone...I wanted a galaxy nexus, and am offering to start my co tract over again on their new terms where it isn't unlimited.
These people should be happy that they get me on another two years of my life and now get to charge me more money for service.
You all would love how I ended the call;
(After pointing out they encouraged me to cancel vs helping me)
" Well I honestly hope that for quality reasons this call was recorded and you made notes so tomorrow when I call back they can know exactly why I'm cancelling service. Thanks for having me be a part of Verizon wireless and have a great day!"
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

Was the X2 really that bad of a phone?
I had to choose from the dinc 2 or the X2. I made a great choice
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

i had an almost identical experience with a past phone. this is my last vzw phone. their network is ok, but i resent having to root my phone to get rid of their garbage apps, their prices are absurd, and their customer service is a nightmare. im switching to a gsm iphone and going prepaid.

joefrog1996 said:
Was the X2 really that bad of a phone?
I had to choose from the dinc 2 or the X2. I made a great choice
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The x2 had major memory management issues for all of the 2.2 releases. It would not stream music, or play any music for that matter without skips, crackles, hiccups and pops.
The tegra 2 had NOTHING to do with it, aside from some pretty looking games (that always get ported to other devices) it would not use the second core anyhow as android 2.2 and 2.3 as far as i know do not use multi core cpus efficiently.
the hardware issues killed me. The headphone jack coming unsoldered TWICE is a poor build quality.
I've no idea if Google intends to put their name on a product that Moto makes after purchasing the mobility department but they should think twice because the ONLY phone i have read good reviews on is the Aria HD and thats one phone out of what... four years worth of handsets?
funky_snowman
i had an almost identical experience with a past phone. this is my last vzw phone. its ok, but i resent having to root my phone to get rid of their garbage apps, their prices are absurd, and their customer service is a nightmare. im switching to a gsm iphone and going prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My problem is that I live in a largely rural area, but a town of around 20,000 that is covered by whatever Reno has.
If reno NV has LTE, we have it. If they have 3g, we have it.
But in lake tahoe you cannot build a new cellular tower due to environmental concerns, therefore you work with what you have.
Verizon has a great deal with the casinos in the area and therefore has coverage EVERYWHERE.
Like i said, i was TOLD that att and their LTE is much better than their 3g was, but i know for a fact people around here on ATT hate it.
Tmobile is a joke and works only on main drags of streets, and sprint is about as bad as Tmobile.
So as all the new networks come online they cannot build new towers here, just work with what they got. The broader spectrum of LTE seems to help the signal for ATT, and the coverage VZW has due to being the first provider gives them the best network over all.
Sucks... but yea.

Had 4 Droid x2s before my incredible2. Music always popped and phone would reboot randomly all the time. So glad I pushed Verizon until they gave me this phone. The problems it has are very little when compared to x2.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium

Yea the X2 had amazing potential but in the end it failed, locked boot loader, couldn't play music for sh*t, the 2nd core wasn't utilized very well, low graphic memory, etc, etc

That sucks man. I would look more into ATT if I were you. If it seems like the people you know have just as bad of experiences with them then i would just keep calling VZW until they offer you something better. I usually use a line like "I've been dealing with this issue for x amount of time and nobody that I have spoken with has even acknowledged the problems that I have already gone through! What can you do to make me feel like I should stay with your company?" Don't waste your breath on the regular care reps, the can't do much for you. Talk to loyalty/retentions. That line got me $400 worth of free products and movie channels when dish network lost amc and has worked on many other occasions. Shift the focus to all of the problems you have had with your phones and the fact that you don't feel like a valued customer instead of focussing just on the phone you have now.
Best of luck man. I hope this helps!
Sent from my ICS Dinc2

I don't think you have bad luck...I have replaced quite a few devices myself and never abuse them.
I do buy the insurance though thru vzw because I live in Vegas. It gets hot here and puts stress on the phones. I also change my synthetic oil every 5k instead of 8k because of the weather.
The good news is that if you want to stay on vzw you can buy on Craigslist to save a bit of money. Eventually when I feel there is a more solid phone I will do this (the latest phone has never been important to me)
Verizon has been terrible as of late. Another one of my family lines also has insurance and I don't even want to begin with the last issue i had with that claim.
In Vegas we have shops that can actually fix phones for you...have you considered this route?
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

I've been pretty fortunate, going from a D1 (that is still working - gave it to a friend in need) to the Inc2, and (knock on wood) have had no issues.

tincbtrar said:
I don't think you have bad luck...I have replaced quite a few devices myself and never abuse them.
I do buy the insurance though thru vzw because I live in Vegas. It gets hot here and puts stress on the phones. I also change my synthetic oil every 5k instead of 8k because of the weather.
The good news is that if you want to stay on vzw you can buy on Craigslist to save a bit of money. Eventually when I feel there is a more solid phone I will do this (the latest phone has never been important to me)
Verizon has been terrible as of late. Another one of my family lines also has insurance and I don't even want to begin with the last issue i had with that claim.
In Vegas we have shops that can actually fix phones for you...have you considered this route?
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no... I can't be without the handset and have no other phone.
I remember Vegas. Cellular depot on sahara was great for fixing phones.
Yeah, I'm in lake Tahoe now. There aren't any repair shops here so sending out is what happens.
If this was an att phone popping a sim out would be easy.
Perhaps a trip to reno would find me a repair person... in the past I'd spend hours with the company arguing my point. Now I don't have time between work and family.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

if anyone is still looking
So here are the end results.
1. Verizon did offer me an early upgrade last november or december.
-- And now because they "lost too much money" they have decided to stop early upgrades for users. So basically I am screwed in this regard. I found it laughable and even told the rep how Verizon posted over a BILLION DOLLAR PROFIT recently, she seemed like she had no idea what that even meant.
2. Even retentions is not willing to work with me on this. The circumstances are not allowing for it, according to the rep I spoke to (pretty much his exact wording)
3. They are offering this:
OPTION #1 - Get a certified pre owned device for $329 (this would be a motorola razr or less money would give me a bunch of garbage options)
OPTION #2 - Add a line, and this will give me the ability to get a new phone as a new contract phone. But of course adds about $600/year to my contract
OPTION #3 - Buy a new device off the internet, beware of stolen phones, apparently verizon keeps a blacklist of stolen devices.
OPTION #4 - Spend the $500+ on a new device from VZW new retail in box.
I am so frustrated. Guess that i am screwed. They dont care.

id probably leave verizon in your situation. though, id leave anyway, so maybe that suggestion is a little bit slanted.
if you aren't going to leave, id try to find something on ebay.

stevenjcampbell said:
OPTION #3 - Buy a new device off the internet, beware of stolen phones, apparently verizon keeps a blacklist of stolen devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah anytime a phone is reported lost or stolen the esn is blacklisted. If you buy one local (like Craigslist) make the person meet you at a VZW store so you can have them check the esn before you pay for it. If you buy one online make sure the place you buy it from is reputable and has some buyer protection built in.
Sent from my ICS Dinc2

cstone1991 said:
Yeah anytime a phone is reported lost or stolen the esn is blacklisted. If you buy one local (like Craigslist) make the person meet you at a VZW store so you can have them check the esn before you pay for it. If you buy one online make sure the place you buy it from is reputable and has some buyer protection built in.
Sent from my ICS Dinc2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know this. I'm glad I haven't bought one off eBay yet. That's got the potential for bad day.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

SuFuS01dier said:
I didn't know this. I'm glad I haven't bought one off eBay yet. That's got the potential for bad day.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do buy from eBay just make sure that you buy it from someone with a lot of good feedback and ask lots of questions.
Sent from my ICS Dinc2

cstone1991 said:
If you do buy from eBay just make sure that you buy it from someone with a lot of good feedback and ask lots of questions.
Sent from my ICS Dinc2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll definitely be wary, but I'm satisfied with my phone for now. That might change by tomorrow though as I often feel the need for change
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

SuFuS01dier said:
I'll definitely be wary, but I'm satisfied with my phone for now. That might change by tomorrow though as I often feel the need for change
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't buy a phone that doesn't list the status of the esn. Just leaving that out is grounds for suspicion.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

GNEX dilemma!

My trusty Gnex was recently stolen http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1863863, and I am currently facing a troubling dilemma. I realize there are something like 5 "Nexus" devices being released this fall/winter. I also realize that isnt "all" that long from now. However, it is a few months away and a lot will be going on. I have a little one at home and they grow so fast at this age. These next few months have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years which are all key photo/video opportunities. The phone I am currently using is an old Gingerbread device that is "ok", but certainly not able to take the quality pics and videos like the Gnex.
So my dilemma is do I drop $350 (directly from Google) and pick up a new phone or wait? To be honest, if I could get the Gnex for like $150 or $200 I would be happy to sign a service contract. I am currently on Tmobile and they have told me I am upgrade eligible since I havent had a contract in many years, but they dont sell the Gnex! Due to the fact that all CDMA providers SUCK (and are so expensive) I cant consider moving away from Tmobile, so changing carriers is not an option. I checked around and I cant even find a 3rd party retailer that sells the Gnex AND can provide me with a new Tmobile plan. The biggest problem is I know the minute the new Gnex drops I am going to want it, but I dont know if I can justify spending $350 now plus another $500 (or whatever) in a few months.....

I got one for 220 for sale
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Jasonhunterx said:
I got one for 220 for sale
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brand new or used?

webmaster said:
So my dilemma is do I drop $350 (directly from Google) and pick up a new phone or wait? To be honest, if I could get the Gnex for like $150 or $200 I would be happy to sign a service contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know why you're even considering this, considering that service contracts cost way more than the $150-$200 that you'd save.
Not going to kid, it does suck that you lost the phone at this particular time. There aren't very good options when the next big thing you want isn't out quite yet; they all cost money. Buying a new Nexus will be $350ish, a new contract will cost $1400ish (depending on the upfront price of the phone and your opportunity costs); that comes out to $800 even if you resell the phone for full price (an unrealistic scenario) when the next Nexus comes out. If I could stand it, I'd just keep using your gingerbread and pray it comes out soon.
Getting a used GN if you want to pay around $200 (as Jason suggests) is also another option. Hell, you might even be able to resell it for a similar price (though naturally there will be a price decrease when the new one comes out).

Used has a corner crack but everything still functional do still a great device
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I just saw on tmobiles site you can get a Galaxy S III for $99 on contract. That would be the way to go if you don't mind a contract.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

or you could just go buy a camera

Samsung has there new galaxy camera.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

If you don't mind buying something other than a Galaxy Nexus, why get yourself a GS III once it gets cheaper. Its actually going for $99.99 online right now! Sale ends at 11:59pm today!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

i n f a m o u s said:
If you don't mind buying something other than a Galaxy Nexus, why get yourself a GS III once it gets cheaper. Its actually going for $99.99 online right now! Sale ends at 11:59pm today!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSIII is not cheaper; you have to pay the price of a contract which, as I pointed out above, can exceed $1000.

The OP mentioned he/she is already with T-Mobile and eligible for an upgrade.

i n f a m o u s said:
The OP mentioned he/she is already with T-Mobile and eligible for an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does not reduce the opportunity cost of a new contract in any way.

thebobp said:
Don't know why you're even considering this, considering that service contracts cost way more than the $150-$200 that you'd save.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, I am very aware of how annoying contracts are and that is why I have been without one for so many years. However, I currently get a decent discount from a company I used to work at (6 years ago!!) which makes my bill comparatively low. If I switch to the new Tmobile unlimited plan I will be all in (taxes, and everything) for just over $60 per month. I do see that Straight Talk offers "unlimited" everything for $45, but I don't know if that includes taxes or if it is truly unlimited. I have given thought to going to prepaid however, so you do raise a valid point. In either case though, I still need a new GNEX!!

Buy a good older model canon camera. Problem solved. $100
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

i n f a m o u s said:
If you don't mind buying something other than a Galaxy Nexus, why get yourself a GS III once it gets cheaper. Its actually going for $99.99 online right now! Sale ends at 11:59pm today!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S III seems like a nice enough phone, but its really just not for me. I swore I would never purchase another non-Nexus phone again as I do not care for the horrible "tweaks" these companies do to core Android OS. I would end up rooting it and then installing a vanilla JB ROM on the thing, and then being frustrated that it wasnt actually a Nexus device!

xredjokerx said:
Buy a good older model canon camera. Problem solved. $100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already have a decent digital camera, but using it feels like a throwback to 2002. It far thicker than my (any?) phone, requires I carry two devices, and can't record in proper HD. Yes, it does take nicer pictures but the "cons" of constantly needing to remember to carry it make it frustrating. I also must say that I got used to the convenience of my photos automatically syncing to Dropbox!
Regarding the suggestion for a used GNex, I do like the idea and I am currently searching for one. The problem is that Craigslist is so full of scammers these days. Even the people that DO actually have it will tell you its a "9.5 out of 10" in terms of condition and then when you go meet them the thing looks like it went through a cement mixer.

I definitely would never get a non nexus android phone again including the S3, I would rather go back to using an iPhone than do that.

One up Program

I was wondering when they'd enter into this new hardware upgrade arena
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile...early-upgrade-plan-to-launch-on-september-20/

It's nice for those that don't care about their current phones. (I typically am the geek of the family and use another line's upgrade and play the hand-me-down game.) However, If you're willing to trade in your device at the end of 12 months for a new one, then this plan will likely appeal to you. If the pricing structure is as advertised in that article - then Sprint is actually a cheaper alternative to T-Mobile's JUMP.
EDIT: Here's another article that has the pricing structure. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57603017-94/sprint-preps-one-up-its-own-early-upgrade-program/

The handing over of the phone would be what stops it for me. I like keeping an old one for a back up in case something happens to the current one. I'm guessing this extends your contract two years from the date you upgrade?

Also you'd have to opt in the new unlimited my way plans, which costs more money for me at least.
Sent from Under water

I figured it wouldn't be long before sprint had their hand in this as well. I can't wait though note 3 will be mine.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

I'm eyeing the Note 3 (+ the smart watch) as well, I'm disabled and I want to test how much hands free phone usage it will enable.

Please go here for these discussions http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2434520